Seven years after the tragic death of 13-year-old Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje, Nigerians have revived the #JusticeForOchanya movement, demanding renewed investigation and prosecution of those accused in her alleged sexual abuse case.

The renewed outcry follows growing anger over what many describe as a failure of the justice system to hold the perpetrators accountable. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for justice, amassing more than 10,000 posts within 48 hours, as activists, lawmakers, and citizens unite to pressure authorities to act.

Ochanya, a native of Benue State, had moved to Makurdi in 2013 to live with her aunt while pursuing her education and aspiring to become a doctor. However, reports revealed that over a five-year period, she was allegedly subjected to repeated sexual abuse by a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, Dr. Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor.

The assaults left the teenager with severe health complications, including Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), which required multiple hospital treatments. She later died on October 18, 2018, at the General Hospital in Otukpo.

An autopsy confirmed the repeated abuse, sparking nationwide outrage and protests under the original #JusticeForOchanya campaign.

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Dr. Ogbuja was later charged with rape and child defilement under the Child Rights Act but was acquitted by a Benue State High Court in 2021, which cited insufficient evidence. His wife, Felicia Ogbuja, was sentenced to five months in prison for negligence.

Meanwhile, Victor Ogbuja, also accused of assaulting Ochanya, was never tried despite an outstanding arrest warrant and is reported to be living in Lagos pursuing a music career.

The case resurfaced last week after child rights advocate Betty Abah questioned the circumstances surrounding Dr. Ogbuja’s release from custody. She urged the Benue State Government, the police, and the Federal Ministry of Justice to revisit the case and ensure accountability.

Among those joining the renewed push for justice is Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), who vowed to take the matter before the National Assembly.

“7 years ago the heart wrenching story of little Ochanya devastated me. I thought the perpetrators were in jail. Alas, they were discharged and acquitted,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote on Instagram.

“The family of late Ochanya Ogbanje should write a petition to me: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Room 2:05 Senate Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

“For our children, I stand for Justice for Ochanya.”

The renewed movement has also become a rallying point for broader campaigns against gender-based violence and child marriage, with many users linking it to the #EndChildMarriage initiative.

As public pressure mounts, activists and civil society organisations are calling for the Benue State Judiciary to reopen the case, ensuring that the promise of justice denied in 2018 is finally fulfilled.